US Youth Soccer joins leading youth organizations on launch of Healthy Kids Hub website to support millions of children

Boston (April 8, 2013) – Healthy Kids Out of School, an initiative of ChildObesity180, today launches the Healthy Kids Hub website (www.HealthyKidsHub.org) to support out-of-school programs in promoting healthy snacks and physical activity through customized, evidence-based tools and resources. The website was launched at the National Afterschool Association Convention in Indianapolis with more than 2,000 out-of-school-time leaders in attendance.

Healthy Kids Out of School is one of the high-impact, integrated strategies created by ChildObesity180 to reverse childhood obesity. Founded on three key principles – Drink Right, Move More, and Snack Smart – Healthy Kids Out of School has united some of the country’s leading organizations around these simple principles so that children experience consistent, healthy messages across out-of-school-time activities. Together, these organizations represent millions of children nationwide and include Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of the USA, National Council of La Raza, National Council of Youth Sports, National Urban League, Pop Warner, US Youth Soccer, YMCA of the USA, and National 4-H Council. Through the new Healthy Kids Hub website, all out-of-school-time programs—from sports leagues to extracurricular activities—will now have access to resources that support healthy habits.

"With millions of American children participating, out-of-school-time programs are effective environments for building healthy foundations in children’s lives," says Christina D. Economos, PhD, Vice-Chair and Director of ChildObesity180, Associate Professor at the Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University, and a leading researcher in the field of childhood obesity prevention. "The Healthy Kids Hub is designed to support volunteers, coaches, and leadership of these programs with free or low-cost resources that fit naturally into their programs’ missions. We are grateful for the support provided by the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation to foster healthy environments for children."

The new Healthy Kids Hub website features a collection of hundreds of educational resources developed by leading universities, afterschool organizations, and other non-profits. Visitors can browse through resources on their own or complete a brief survey to get resources tailored to their specific needs. The Healthy Kids Hub also features products, discounts, and other special offers that encourage healthy habits. Visitors to the Healthy Kids Hub website have the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to a national movement of out-of-school-time leaders supporting healthy programs by signing a pledge to support the principles.

"As the nation’s largest youth sports organization, US Youth Soccer strives to foster the physical, mental and emotional growth and development of America's youth through the sport of soccer at all levels of age and competition," said Jim Cosgrove, Executive Director of US Youth Soccer. "We know the many benefits associated with children being active and participating in sports such as soccer, and the impact they can have on their family. US Youth Soccer is pleased to partner with ChildObesity180 in the launch of the Healthy Kids Hub, a great resource that will assist in the improved health of young people all across the nation."

To mark the launch of the Healthy Kids Hub, visitors who take the pledge before May 8, 2013 will be entered for a chance to win one of 100 $50 gift cards (see full contest rules at www.healthykidshub.org/giveaway-rules.pdf). Later this year, the Healthy Kids Hub plans to launch an online social network for leaders and volunteers to connect and share ideas for offering healthy choices. Visit the Hub at www.HealthyKidsHub.org.